Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” isn’t writer-director James Gunn’s first superhero movie. That would be the subversive, pitch-black indie “Super,” which was as violent as it was funny. He’s toned down the blood and mayhem a bit, but “Guardians” remains the coolest movie of the summer.

The story is sanitized and recycled, but Gunn infuses it with his off-kilter style and nerve, beginning with casting roly-poly sit-com star Chris Pratt (“Parks and Recreation”) as his Han Solo-like leading man. Pratt brings a newly chiseled physique and a mountain of charisma and goofiness to his star-turn as Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, an interplanetary outlaw with a bounty on his head.

Pratt’s charm and presence go a long way to carry the film through a confusing first act bogged down in character introductions, back story and set-up. The plot is basic superhero tripe. Quill, an orphan (he watched his mother die in the pre-title sequence), joins forces with a gang of imprisoned superhero alien misfits in busting out of jail to re-capture a powerful device called the Orb. But to keep it secure, they’ll need to defeat the nefarious Ronan (Lee Pace), an enforcer for the yet unseen Thanos. Not only do the guardians save the world from intergalactic annihilation, they evolve from reluctant allies who argue a lot to BFFs willing to die for each other.

In his best role ever, Vin Diesel provides the voice of the sentient tree-like being, Groot. The only line he ever says is, “I am Groot,” but he dazzles with the ability to rebuild himself. As the warrior assassin Gomora, Zoe Saldana (“Avatar”) trades blue makeup for a sexy green get-up and flashes a bit of personality for once. Professional wrestler Dave Bautista’s Drax is more hilarious, less dolt. Bradley Cooper is unhinged, providing the voice for Rocket, the salty racoon-like creature who is the brains of the bunch. Give him his own movie, but take cover if you call him “vermin” or “rodent.”

Gunn fires a lot at us – all in unnecessary 3-D, of course – but redeems himself with a twisted sense of humor, running gags and a soundtrack (it’s Quill’s late mom’s “Awesome Mix” tape) rich in ‘70s hits, including “Come and Get Your Love,” “Cherry Bomb” and “Escape: The Pina Colada Song.” There are also wacky references to John Stamos, Kevin Bacon, “Footloose” and the per-usual Stan Lee cameo.

The film references Quill’s father (cue the “Imperial March”), but never elaborates on that story line. Expect it to get explored more in the sequel, young Skywalker, which is due out July 2017. Josh Brolin will play the supervillain Thanos.

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